Who Should I Start? Aidan O'Connell or Bo Nix

Monday, October 21, 1:18 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (thumb) will be placed on Injured Reserve after fracturing his right thumb in the Week 7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, according to sources. O'Connell was making his second start of the year on Sunday but will now be out for four to six weeks and will miss at least the next four games after going on IR. He'll have a chance to return this season, but the earliest O'Connell can return would be in Week 13 against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 8. In his two starts, O'Connell went 33-for-50 for 279 yards with a TD and an interception. Gardner Minshew II will now take over as Vegas' starter, but he's nothing more than a low-upside, low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues. After relieving O'Connell on Sunday, Minshew went 15-for-34 for 154 yards with three interceptions and also lost a fumble.

Friday, October 18, 12:02 AM

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix didn't score a touchdown and threw for only 164 yards on 16-for-26 passing, but he also ran the ball 10 times for a season-high 75 rushing yards in the 33-10 dismantling of the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football on the road. Nix looked a little nervous early on and missed several wide-open receivers, but he was able to settle in and lead the Broncos to 30-plus points for the second time in the last three weeks. Denver's lockdown defense played a big role in that, but the 24-year-old first-rounder showed more progress and now has avoided turnovers in four of his last five games. There will continue to be ups and downs as Nix navigates his rookie season in the NFL, while his rushing ability is the strongest part of his game currently. Heading into a favorable Week 8 matchup against the Panthers, Nix will be a low-end QB2 with upside in fantasy.